OCH Conservation Foundation – Preserving Northern Virginia’s Rural Landscape

Preserving Virginia's Land.
Protecting Its Future.

The mission of OCH Conservation Foundation is to enhance diverse wildlife habitats, strengthen critical connections with nature, and preserve Northern Virginia’s unparalleled rural landscape. As development pressure increases across our region, protecting this land has never been more urgent.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Hunt Field Skills Clinics

Improve your confidence, position, and safety in the hunt field during two days of instruction from top event riders and experienced horsemen. Whether you’re preparing for your first hunt season or sharpening your skills, these clinics provide personalized coaching in a supportive environment.

Friday, July 31 | Gum Tree
Jumping Safely in the Hunt Field with Juliet Graham
Saturday, August 1 | Little River Farm
Hunt Field Skills Clinic featuring Bruce Davidson, Juliet Graham, Lauren Nicholson, and Lynn Symansky

Proceeds benefit the Piedmont Fox Hounds Conservation Fund and the OCH Conservation Foundation, helping preserve the landscapes and traditions that make Virginia’s hunt country unique.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Rural Landowners Manual for the Northern Piedmont Region

This publication serves as a valuable tool for landowners, offering expert contacts, program listings, and guidance on managing the unique challenges of rural property stewardship. Each participating organization contributed its own insights and expertise, resulting in a resource designed to benefit both long-time residents and newcomers alike.

PRESS RELEASE

2026 Malcolm Matheson III Scholarship Awarded

The Plains, Virginia — The OCH Conservation Foundation (OCHCF) is proud to announce the inaugural recipient of the Malcolm Matheson III Memorial Scholarship Fund, a new initiative supporting young conservation leaders through hands-on environmental education, wildlife stewardship, and professional conservation training. Created in honor of longtime OCH Master of Foxhounds Malcolm Matheson III, the scholarship reflects his lifelong commitment to conservation, responsible land stewardship, and preserving Virginia’s rural landscapes and wildlife habitats.
“Increasing development pressure, environmental challenges, and growing workforce needs in conservation make investing in the next generation more important than ever,” said Rae Stone, President of the OCH Conservation Foundation. “This scholarship helps provide meaningful, hands-on experience while preparing future wildlife professionals and environmental stewards.”

Protect Virginia’s Land—For the Next Generation

Development is accelerating across our region. Once open land is lost, it’s gone for good.

Your support helps conserve open space, protect wildlife habitat, and preserve the natural character of Virginia’s countryside.

From working farms to critical ecosystems, every acre protected today ensures this landscape endures for generations to come.

The OCH Conservation Foundation is proud to work alongside leading national organizations, local landowners, and conservation leaders across the Piedmont region.

Stay connected with OCHCF updates, events, and conservation news by clicking below

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Preserving Virginia's Land.Protecting Its Future.